Supply Chain Engineer

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is an international deep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working to commercialize laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. We are rapidly scaling and looking for talented individuals who thrive in building clarity and structure within fast-growing environments.

We are seeking a Supply Chain Engineer to lead the sourcing, development, and delivery of complex engineering systems and components across our programs.

This is not a traditional procurement role. You will operate at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and supplier development, ensuring that critical components—from precision optics and vacuum systems to mechanical assemblies and control hardware—are technically viable, manufacturable, and delivered on time.

You will embed within engineering teams and take ownership of supply chain strategy as part of system delivery, not as a downstream function.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering-Aligned Supply Chain

• Partner directly with Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls teams to define supply strategies aligned to system design.

• Translate engineering requirements into sourcing and manufacturing plans.

• Ensure early supplier involvement in concept and design phases.

Supplier Identification & Development

• Identify, qualify, and develop suppliers for high-spec, first-of-a-kind components.

• Build long-term partnerships with key vendors across Europe and globally.

• Assess supplier technical capability, capacity, and scalability.

Technical Procurement & Delivery

• Support procurement of complex systems (e.g. vacuum equipment, precision machining, diagnostics hardware, control systems).

• Manage RFQs, technical bid evaluations, and supplier selection in collaboration with engineering.

• Drive on-time delivery while maintaining technical and quality requirements.

Manufacturing & Build Strategy

• Define make vs buy strategies in collaboration with engineering leadership.

• Support development of manufacturing routes for bespoke components.

• Ensure design for manufacturability (DfM) is embedded early.

Quality & Compliance

• Establish quality expectations and inspection strategies with suppliers.

• Support FAT/SAT processes and acceptance criteria definition.

• Ensure traceability and documentation standards are met.

Cost & Risk Management

• Develop cost models and challenge assumptions during design phases.

• Identify supply chain risks (technical, schedule, single-source) and mitigate early.

• Support budgeting and cost tracking across projects.

Program Integration

• Work closely with Project Managers to align supply chain delivery with program milestones.

• Provide clear visibility on lead times, risks, and delivery status.

• Support rapid iteration cycles typical of experimental systems.

Required Experience

• 7+ years in engineering supply chain, technical procurement, or manufacturing engineering

• Experience sourcing complex, low-volume, high-spec systems (not commodity purchasing)

• Strong understanding of:

  • Mechanical fabrication & machining

  • Electrical/control hardware supply

  • Precision or scientific equipment (e.g. vacuum, optics, diagnostics)

• Proven ability to work directly with engineering teams on evolving designs

• Experience managing suppliers across Europe and/or internationally

Desirable Experience

• Experience in fusion, aerospace, semiconductors, lasers, or advanced R&D environments

• Familiarity with vacuum systems, high-energy systems, or scientific instrumentation

• Exposure to first-of-a-kind (FOAK) system delivery

• Understanding of quality systems and inspection processes

Key Skills

• Strong technical judgement (can challenge engineering and suppliers)

• Ability to operate in ambiguity and evolving designs

• Supplier negotiation and relationship management

• Structured problem solving and risk management

• Clear communication across engineering and commercial teams

What Success Looks Like

• Critical components are sourced early, correctly, and without rework cycles

• Suppliers are integrated into engineering, not reacting to finished designs

• Lead times and risks are visible and actively managed

• Engineering teams see supply chain as an enabler of delivery, not a blocker

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to transitioning Focused Energy from design to delivery.
Without a strong engineering-led supply chain, FOAK systems will fail on cost, schedule, and manufacturability.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.